If you say the words solar shading to someone, they’re likely to picture a scene involving a super bright summer’s day. But it’s not just a summer solution, solar shading offers year-round advantages, helping you out in the colder months. Winter gives solar shading a way to become surprisingly useful, enhancing energy efficiency and your property’s level of comfort.
Making the Most of Winter Sunlight
We’ve had some really bright winter days so far this year – you’ve probably noticed that the sun is really low during these periods, as winter sunlight sits much lower than the summer sun. It can make driving conditions difficult and it also means sun enters buildings at a sharper angle. There might be spaces that would usually be quite dark in the winter time but the low sun can shine brightly, which can create glare and discomfort.
You can manage winter sunlight by using solar shading, such as louvred facades, external blinds or brise soleil systems which let you control the level of sunlight that enters. You can control the light as and when you want it, so this can have an impact on heat and glare.
Supporting Energy Efficiency in Colder Months
Energy performance is an issue all year round and making sure you’re doing all you can to make your property as energy efficient as possible is a good idea. Heating bills are higher in the winter due to the need for more energy. Smart use of solar shading can actually help to manage rising bills.
Certain shading solutions can:
- Trap useful solar heat when the sun is lower
- Prevent heat loss through windows
- Reduce reliance on artificial lighting
- Support overall temperature stability
A well-designed solar shading system that works in conjunction with other energy saving measures can help a property to stay comfortable and cost-effective.
Reducing Glare Without Losing Light
With the rise of working from home, winter sunlight can create excessive amounts of glare in rooms that act as a home office. This can be uncomfortable and makes it more difficult to see content on screens.
Solar shading can soften the light and create a good balance, rather than completely blocking out like, which is still important for focus. Reducing glare can be a great boost for productivity when working or studying at home.
Winter Comfort Isn’t Just About Heat
Comfort in cold weather goes beyond warmth. It’s about creating consistent lighting, reducing eye strain and maintaining a stable internal climate. Solar shading can help to manage all of these factors.
Smaller improvements can alter how a room feels and make it more functional in the winter time.
A Year-Round Investment
Solar shading is associated with the summer, but it’s a versatile addition that is useful in every season. It balances natural light, manages energy performance, makes a space more comfort and helps to reduce glare and make a room more functional.
As more homeowners design their homes in sustainable and eco-conscious ways, solar shading systems give a stylish way to boost aesthetic design and comfort. They’re a long-term investment for every season.
Get in touch with our team at Urban Skies for more information today.